2 thoughts on “The 1963 Thames Barge Match”

!963 Thames Barge Match:
Lovely stuff … I was there as an 8 year old aboard the oldest barge (mentioned, but not by name), the May Flower. The Medway match followed – this was filmed from the deck of the May Flower and the film is, I understand, available at some cost from movitone news. I detail this in my book The May Flower A Barging Childhood… In those days the barge matches took place during the working week – so I, and my siblings’, had a week off school!

It’s grand to get a view of these old films – they should be more widely available.

It is also highlights tragic events too: the Veronica at 57 years and the Dreadnought a little younger could have still been sailing. The Sara possibly too… Who knows: Sara and Dreadnought were broken up and the Veronica was sold to become a house boat with specific instructions not to sail… As I say, tragic, especially as many of the barges sailing then and then trading as motor barges are still around, rebuilt, refurbished or awaiting treatment…

The Veronica’s remains sit mouldering in Bedlams Bottom off the foot of Stangate – when I last visited some of her trademark white hull coating still adhered to her stem, it brought a tear to my eye…

Ben Crawshaw’s book about cruising the Mediterranean in a craft made using free boat plans

The Running Tide – Gavin Atkin’s online album of songs for singing sailors

A new magazine: Classic Sailor

Classic Sailor is a new magazine about traditional and classic boats from ex-Classic Boat editor Dan Houston and colleagues that promises rather more coverage of the traditional craft around our coast. I think we should wish them well... Find out more here.

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Gavin Atkin's weblog for the sort of people who like looking inside boat sheds: old boats, traditional boats, boat building, restoration, the sea and the North Kent Coast

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Boatbuilding help available

Our Faversham-based friend Alan Thorne can help with boatbuilding projects - constructing to plans in very tidy stitch-and-glue or more traditional techniques. Contact him by email at ajthorne3@hotmail.com or phone 07865 091155